IT analyst(s) are responsible for the analysis and optimization of work processes. In addition to carrying out requirements analysis, their tasks include budget planning for the implementation of defined measures and the subsequent impact analyses.
The Role of an IT Analyst
IT analysts are generalists in their field, but at the same time have a high level of expertise. In essence, they are responsible for the ongoing development of IT infrastructures within companies.
They work both on improvements to IT applications for external customers and on the further development of internal company IT. They nee to be able to assess the current state of operations and to define target goals either independently or together with representatives of the management level.
Finally, measures are developed and implemented to achieve the set goals. These goals differ from company to company and will always look different in each specific case. After all, IT structures are ideally adapted to the specific industry and require tailor-made solutions.
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Tasks and responsibilities
Information technology is one of the fastest and most radically developing professional and application fields. Accordingly, the tasks of IT analysts are varied.
IT Analysts generally work to decide on which developments to pursue and which are not worthwhile. These involve a detailed analysis of existing systems as well as what is financially feasible.
They check which work processes show potential for optimization and plan the budget for the implementation of the defined measures, together with project managers.
Since their job is a continuous process, the cycle usually starts again after this step: the operating processes and workflows are checked to see if they are running as they should and, if necessary, adapted or redesigned.
In the course of this, the needs and requirements of the respective specialist departments with regard to their IT deployment are continuously examined and so-called impact analyses are carried out. In doing so, the analysts ask themselves what the effects of the changes desired by the departments would be.
What are the tasks of an IT analyst?
- Analysis of existing IT systems and work processes
- Defining and developing improved IT measures
- Budget planning for the implementation of defined measures
- Impact and requirement analyses
- Coordinating with other departments and project managers
- Coordinating developers within the team to build tech solutions
What skills do IT analysts need? Hard skills and soft skills
IT analysts need expertise in the areas of IT security and reliability, software architectures but also in project management. As a rule, they have basic business and legal knowledge and are able to analyze and model business processes.
Software quality management, testing of software solutions and user-centered design are just as familiar to them as human-computer interaction. Furthermore, good communication skills are required, because as an interface between different departments, they often organize meetings and conferences and write reports.
What must an IT analyst be able to do?
- Knowledge of IT security, software architecture and project management
- Analysis and modeling of processes
- Knowledge in software quality management and testing
- Knowledge of IT quality standards – ISO 27001, PCI, SOC2
- Communication skills – Stakeholders and the team
- Good technical writing skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Specializations
IT analysts are already highly specialized per se. However, the larger the company in which they work, the more IT systems to handle or deal with. This requires specialization in certain software and very specific knowledge of it.
As a result, many IT analysts are looking to specialize in areas such as infrastructure planning, information management or cost optimization in the long term.
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Requirements and Background
The enormous expertise that IT analysts bring with them usually comes mainly from the fields of computer science and technology. A Bachelors’s degree plays an important role in securing a job.
Experience gained through a working student job or internships are also valuable and can greatly enhance your resume.
Salary of an IT Analyst
As an important part of the company and an employee with a high level of responsibility, an IT analyst can expect an entry-level salary of around $43,000.
Depending on experience and qualifications, significant salary increases are possible over the years. Upwards of $94,000 is possible with several years of professional experience. The average annual salary of an IT analyst is around $65,000.
How much does an IT analyst earn?
| Junior | $43,000 |
| Average | $65,000 |
| Senior | $94,000 |
IT Analysts on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for IT Analysts (8 working hours) would be around:
How much does an IT analyst earn as a freelancer?
| Average rate IT Analysts (2022) | $76/hr |
On average, freelance IT Analysts charge $76/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Freelance rates in IT Analyses range between $31 and $101 for the majority of freelancers.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $76/hour, the daily rate for freelance IT Analysts is around $608/day.
